Columns & Opinions

The hug heard around the world

Exclusive Subscriber Content

The hug heard around the world

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Here's one thing I know: when you hate somebody, really detest them, it eats you alive. So part of me understood perfectly why Brandt Jean asked permission to hug his brother's killer, former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, during the penalty phase of her well-publicized trial.

My very simple movie rating system

Exclusive Subscriber Content

My very simple movie rating system

Saturday, October 12, 2019

What movie fan hasn't wanted the chance to review movies? Most of us have disagreed with a movie critic at least a time or two. He called it "formulaic," but you loved it. She said it was wonderful, and you thought it was like watching paint dry.

No one is favorite for 2020

Exclusive Subscriber Content

No one is favorite for 2020

Saturday, October 12, 2019

There's lots of good news for the Democrats these days. Opposition to President Trump is surging. In the latest Washington Post poll, 58 percent support the start of impeachment proceedings and 49 percent favor removing Trump from office – including almost 1 in 5 Republicans.

Overnight guests prove prickly for family with six cats

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Overnight guests prove prickly for family with six cats

Friday, October 11, 2019

DEAR ABBY: We have a small house, and family and friends are always welcome. We also have six cats, and their care and comfort are paramount. We keep our cats separated so they don’t fight, so two cats occupy what used to be our guest room.

Husband unwilling to see therapist together

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Husband unwilling to see therapist together

Friday, October 11, 2019

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I have been going to a therapist — separately. I couldn’t get him to go with me, but he agreed to start by talking to her on his own. I feel like I am making a bit of progress when I talk to her, but he still refuses to talk together. I don’t know what to do.

Online attitude darkens following brother’s suicide

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Online attitude darkens following brother’s suicide

Thursday, October 10, 2019

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend on social media whose brother died by suicide several months ago. She was the one who found him. They were close, and I think he was her last immediate family member. She has posted openly about how horrible this experience has been and how sad she feels.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

How to be ready for a home fire: Plan, practice

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Did you know that today’s homes burn faster than ever? Newer homes tend to be built with unprotected, lightweight wood construction and are frequently designed with lots of open spaces and high ceilings - ideal conditions for fire to grow and spread quickly.

Roommate’s presence muddles ‘friends with benefits’ setup

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Roommate’s presence muddles ‘friends with benefits’ setup

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been spending time with a certain gentleman for more than five years. I am in love with him. We dated at first, then became friends with benefits. He had another woman move in with him a few years ago, but we are still friends with benefits, and he has become my best friend.

Increasing temperatures extend active west nile virus season

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Increasing temperatures extend active west nile virus season

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Dear Doctor: West Nile virus is active again in southern California. What happens when you are infected? Is there a vaccine?

Reader scared to hurt feelings in charitable giving

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Reader scared to hurt feelings in charitable giving

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

DEAR HARRIETTE: I get requests for donations online all the time. I see birthday fundraisers on social media, charity efforts to support various causes, etc. Recently, I saw a campaign to support a friend’s children’s school. This looked good, and I am happy to support a friend.